Reports have emerged of the inhumane treatment faced by Rohingya migrants, following the abandonment of 11 individuals in southern Thailand, three of whom were found dead.
Thousands of Rohingya migrants from Rakhine State in Myanmar are believed to be fleeing to Thailand to escape escalating unrest and forced conscriptions. Many fall victim to transnational trafficking rings operating across Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. Rights groups emphasize the need for stricter regulations from Thai authorities to prevent further loss of life.
On October 18, 2024, a group of 11 Rohingya migrants was abandoned in a forest near Lam Sai Road in Lang Suan District, Chumphon Province. Siyeed Alam, President of the Rohingya Association Thailand, revealed to Transborder News that three individuals died during their journey from Northern Thailand to Malaysia.
A survivor shared with Alam that over 70 Rohingya migrants were being smuggled at the same time. Some were deported from the conflict-ridden Rakhine State, western Myanmar, while others had fled from Rohingya refugee camps along the Bangladesh-India border.
“Relatives of a Rohingya migrant who passed away called me, stating that the traffickers used a large truck for smuggling. When someone died, they placed the body in a pick-up truck and drove away to dispose of it in a secluded area. The bodies of the victims have now been buried, and the survivors were sent to a police station. This group of migrants left Mae Sot three to four days ago. I have been to the trafficking crime scene before; the situation is terrible,” Alam said.
He explained that the smuggling route began in a jungle area in Myanmar’s Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot in Thailand. After crossing the border, the migrants were transported by pick-up truck to Phobphra District in Tak and then walked through the forest for an entire day to reach the Tak border area. From there, they were driven to Bangkok, preparing to journey through southern Thailand towards Malaysia.
However, during their time in Lang Suan District, some migrants became exhausted and critically ill, leading the smugglers to abandon them. Meanwhile, other migrants continued toward Malaysia. Ali believes Thai police should be able to apprehend all suspects involved, as the vehicle used for smuggling was quite large.
“The Rohingya migrants have to pay approximately 160,000 baht for the journey due to the deteriorating situation in Rakhine State. The conflict between Myanmar’s State Administration Council and armed ethnic groups, such as the Arakan Army (AA) and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), has intensified.
“All factions are pressuring Rohingya youth to join their fights. Citizens in Rakhine are subject to forced conscription while facing starvation, leaving them with no choice but to flee the country. Some migrants travel by boat to Mawlamyine, then proceed to Hpa-an by road to reach Myawaddy, which borders Thailand.”
Alam estimates that around 1,500 Rohingya migrants are currently waiting in Myawaddy, preparing to be deported through Thailand to Malaysia. Many more remain in Mae Sot, uncertain of their next steps. Some attempt to leave by sea. Recently, three boats carrying Rohingya migrants headed for Indonesia, but two lost contact, while the third experienced mechanical issues and is now stranded in the Indonesian sea, awaiting food and rescue.
“To effectively combat human trafficking, government and authorities must show greater commitment, particularly law enforcement. If they enforce stricter measures, smugglers will find it much harder to operate. This incident represents one of the largest smuggling cases we have seen. I believe there are over 100,000 Rohingya migrants waiting in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand for transfer to a third country. This includes children, women, and the elderly, all seeking safety,” Alam concluded.
Simultaneously, Suraiman Pruetthimaneerat, vice president of the Association Rohingya Thailand, informed Transborder News that approximately 1,500 to 2,000 Rohingya migrants have fallen victim to cyber-gambling rings in Myawaddy. Many lack the funds to pay smugglers and find themselves trapped. Some have faced beatings and torture, being forced to send ransom videos to their families.
“I have a relative who is being held captive and is being asked for a ransom of 50,000 baht. This amount may increase, as agents from these smuggling rings in Malaysia often demand payments in local currency where the incident occurs, and currently, Myanmar’s currency is weakening.
“The authorities must act decisively. This issue cannot be swept under the rug. These smuggling operations significantly impact the region, particularly the organized crime stemming from Myawaddy’s casino hub, which can easily cross into Thailand.
“We need to enhance regulations for law enforcement to prevent their involvement in these illegal activities. There are serious questions regarding how these criminals can operate nationwide without detection. The government should collaborate with independent groups representing Rohingya in the fight against smuggling. We need to identify the agents operating within Thailand.”
This is a translation of original Thai article https://transbordernews.in.th/home/?p=40280